Big steps

Over the course of the last couple months, some rather big changes have taken place in my life. 

I'm by no means complaining - in fact, completely the opposite. I've come to realize that I'm really lucky for these new adventures.

What I also realized is that somehow I've managed to get to this point while speaking my mind at all times. I have no filter.

None.

What. So. Ever.

After another big step this weekend, in what I like to think is a great direction, it hit me that I'm incredibly lucky to even have these opportunities given my complete lack of tact at times. 

And trust me, when I notice this, it must be bad.

But I suppose, at least I'm honest...right?

So I've realized this flaw, and I may or may not do something to improve it. Admitting is the first step.

How many of you out there have gotten yourselves into messes due to lack of brain to mouth filter?

Cheers!

-A

This is new

Saturday blog posting...this is new and unusual for me. But I'm procrastinating.

Yes, I'm using you to procrastinate. Sorry. The truth hurts.

I really need to finish a presentation that will be given on Monday - and sadly that's how I'm spending my Saturday evening - but I need break for a moment.

And what a better way to spend my downtime than to write to y'all.

I can't believe where this weekend has gone already. Friday was a total blur, but I did have a lovely little date night that included sushi and a comedy club. We saw Tom Papa who was pretty excellent if I do say so myself.



Shortly after being seated I saw one of my close friends sit at the table in front of us. Small world. A little too small. This is about the time I start packing my belongings and moving along to a new adventure. I'm not supposed to know people, am I?

But what can I say, somehow I'm a sucker for this city and it keeps me coming back for more.

Let's see, what else can I ramble on about....

Oh, another big Michigan State football win today. We almost shut out Purdue, but they did get one touchdown in before the end. Hard to believe my Spartans have won 9 games this season...I'm not sure I know what to do. Fingers crossed for a big win against Penn State and say some prayers for a trip to the Rose Bowl.

Aside from that, it's been a pretty tame weekend, which is actually something that's been a long time coming. Between traveling and football season it's been a busy fall, and I'm (almost) looking forward to relaxing a little more this winter.

Okay, I'm done.

Cheers!

-A

The positive side

Well it's Friday, which means you should be looking at some beautiful pictures that I took or found, however given that I inundated you with imagery from NYC last week, I've decided to switch it up a little today.

Mainly because I'm lazy and don't have the energy to find and analyze photos today. It all comes down to my lack of motivation.

So I'm expecting this post to be pretty random - though I'd like to focus on the good things that are going on right now. Having come back from my recent travels, I'm finding myself in a little slump without a big, exciting trip to look forward to, so this is the perfect time to remind myself of all the great things life has to offer.

For instance, my job. Not only do I have one, but I love the work that I do and the people that I'm surrounded with everyday. A girl couldn't ask for much more than that. Needless to say I completely agree with this post from one of my favorite 20-somethings. Thanks, Playful, for the inspiration.

Here are some other things I'm happy about:
-Amazing friends, those scattered across the country and my girls right here in town
-My health, which I recently found out is improving!
-Red Wine Thursdays
-Free speech
-The warm weather we've been experiencing in the Midwest lately
-Traveling
-Progress toward getting my puppy
-Discovery of some new Italian recipes that I love
-Yoga, running, and spinning
-Lazy weekends on the couch watching football with the man friend
-Taking on new accounts and new challenges at the office
-Preparing my photography for a show in December

So tell me dear readers, what are some of the things that are making you happy right now?

Cheers!

-A

Lexington hotel experience

Okay, so we're only in the first week of November and I've already broken my promise to take advantage of NaBloPoMo and write everyday.

Post FAIL!

Sorry y'all, but I'm going to pass off the blame on this one to Lexington.

Yesterday was spent in Lexington, Kentucky for a client meeting. And let me tell you what, that little trip made me realize just how much I miss the South. The hospitality, the pace, and apparently, the hotels!

We arrived in town fairly late on Tuesday night - more accurately, Wednesday morning - so I didn't have much of a chance to take advantage of all this hotel had to offer, but it was amazing.

The DoubleTree in Lexington is absolutely incredible! You walk in to an open atmosphere with a quaint, French feel. Upon arrival you are treated with warm chocolate chip cookies - which you better believe I managed to devour before my shoes were even off.

The three room suite that greeted me was phenomenal! With two flat panel TVs, a king size bed, and a Jacuzzi bathtub I was in heaven. Express checkout - which is always a plus for busy business travelers - and a USA Today awaiting me outside my door made for a pleasant morning.

I'm considering a trip down to Lexington again in the near future just to take advantage of these amenities.

My only complaint is that the pillows were not up to par on the comfort scale, but I managed to sleep like a rock regardless.

Thanks, Hilton Hotels for making my stay so fabulous. And if you're ever in Lexington, consider the DoubleTree for your stay. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Cheers!

-A

A freedom we take for granted

Given that it's Election Day, I thought it appropriate to discuss an American freedom that's near and dear to my heart. It's called the right to free speech.

Shocker, right? I'm pretty sure I'd die without the ability to talk just for the sake of hearing my own voice.

But it's also something that I and a lot of other people take for granted. We get online each day with the ability to log in to Blogger and publish our opinions on the interwebs for all to see, judge and comment on.

What would we do without this luxury, without the ability to converse freely with one another, share our thoughts, ideas and experiences as 20-somethings - we would be lost, that's what.

It's a fantastic thing, this freedom of speech. And that's why it irritates me to no end that someone is trying to take this away from me.

*GASP*

It has recently come to my attention that there are some un-fans following me and reading posts regularly. At first I was flattered to see these IP addresses coming back continuously - that is, until the face emerged to let me know of his/her disapproval. Not so much of my opinions, but rather, of me!

*DOUBLE GASP*


I know, right? Who couldn't like me?!

Lots of people I'm sure.

But I grew up being taught by my wonderful family that not everyone is going to like you - and I'm okay with that!

What I'm not okay with, is being told what to write and what not to write. Sorry folks, but last I checked this was my blog, full of my opinions (stupid as they may be at times) and my experiences. No one is strapping you to a chair, taping your eyelids open and forcing you to read - or maybe they are, but that's not my problem - so feel free to spend your time reading other blogs that are more tailored to your style. I promise, I won't be offended.

And because it's election day and I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy about the U.S. of A, I'm going to hold on tight to my freedom of speech and continue to write for the readers who love me most! And I'll continue to show them the love they deserve, with links and shout outs like this. And this. Oh yeah, and this.

I heart you guys! *tear*

Oh, and if you haven't already - get to the polls today. I'm not much for talking politics, but this is an important election and we all have a voice.

kthanksbye

Cheers!

-A

And we can't forget to wish the wonderful Maxie a happy birthday. Don't work too hard today, lady!

Up to the challenge

Okay, so apparently it's NaBloPoMo and I completely didn't realize its existence until my Google Reader exploded on Monday morning with all the smart bloggers who are taking advantage of this opportunity to post everyday.

So, even though I'm behind a couple days, I am up to the challenge.

Sure, it's not going to be easy - but since when is easy fun? Okay, I can think of a couple times, but let's gloss over those, shall we?

And don't be shocked when I meander off topic. I certainly don't meet 30 people a month that are worth talking about here, but we all know I can come up with some crap to talk about everyday. What can I say, I'll talk to whoever will listen.

So, if there's anything you want to hear about from me, comment away. I'm not opposed to discussing any topic - because odds are, I have an opinion about it.

Cheers!

-A

The infamous meeting

Of all the people I met during my two weeks in New York, one meeting stands out above the rest.

Why? Because I finally got to meet a long-time friend and colleague face to face.

And I was not the only one looking forward to this encounter - I had co-workers who were rather excited to witness the infamous meeting.

Meetings like this are strange. You feel like you know the person so well from countless phone conversations and e-mail chains, but when you're looking the person in the eye while speaking to them for the first time, it's almost surreal.

Let's go back to that night, shall we?

Tuesday of the event week was the longest day in history. My day started at 4 a.m. with filming for a media tour and ended with a dinner for 40 that we arranged that ended at 10:30 p.m. Don't get me wrong, much fun was had, but I looked at my superiors at the end of the dinner and said, "if there's not liquor in my hand in 10 minutes I'm not going to be a pleasant person."

Luckily, there was!

We walked across the street to a rooftop bar where we met up with our friends who had flown into town that day.

And then we met.

It wasn't what people expected, I'm sure. A hello and a hug and the drinking began. Grey Goose and Red Bulls were consumed by the gallon - I was a very happy girl!

The party continued well into the night, getting me to bed about 24 hours after I had woken up the previous day. Needless to say, that made for quite the long Wednesday.

Drinking continued on Thursday night and goodbyes were said on Friday. And now, we're back to phone conversations and e-mail chains.

The connectivity of this society is great for instances like this - but it also makes you realize what you're missing out on when you finally meet your virtual friends face to face.

Sometimes reality can be a bitch, but I have no doubt that we'll get to do it again, sooner rather than later.

Has anyone else had the chance to meet long-time friends/co-workers/bloggers in person? What was your experience like?

Cheers!

-A